Mission Statement

Mary's Family will:

  • create a community for families with special needs children
  • help to bridge the gap between these families and the schools, government agencies, and others who are there to serve us
  • offer support to families in times of unusual stress, surgery, or death
  • provide monthly seminars on topics of concern to our community
  • host a web site and blog with a bulletin board, calendar, and photographs
  • maintain a mailing list and telephone tree of Mary's Family so we can easily contact one another
  • provide help for organizations who want to learn how to be accessible to families who have children with special needs

Why are respite days held at churches?

Practically - they are empty, they are usually handicapped accessible and many of them have playgrounds. Churches have youth groups and volunteers who want to help.

However, theologically- Jesus says in Matthew 25: "Verily I say unto you, in so much as you do this for the least of you, you do it for Me." People want to help, but they don't always know how. Mary's Family provides a way for people to help families with children who have special needs, medical challenges, and disabilities.

And remember, our volunteers help out throughout the month, not just at respite. They go out in their own communities and share their experiences with others. We can legislate the ADA and special ed, but these things are only as important as their enforcement. If people have had their hearts changes by volunteering at respite or elsewhere at Mary's Family they will stand up for the ADA, and they will become disability advocates.

Mary's Family | P. O. Box 236 | Orlean, VA 20128 | 540/364-4757